Chris Dittmann Racing finalised its new-look F3 Cup line-up with the signing of championship newcomer Phillip Jeans for the 2017 season.

Norfolk-based Jeans will pilot a Mercedes-powered Dallara F312 in the single-seater series, joining up-and-coming Irishman Cian Carey and Monoposto race-winner Peter Venn at the Tewkesbury squad.

The former motorcycle racer returns to car racing for the first time since 2012, when he contested four rounds of the Radical Masters. He scored a top-six finish at Brands Hatch in just his third race in the sports car series, having instantly found himself in the top 10 at Snetterton the rounds before.

Jeans said: “I am really pleased and looking forward to racing in the F3 Cup this year. I feel lucky to be joining such a professional and experienced team as Chris Dittmann Racing.

“I’m looking forward to the season’s racing and learning as much as I can, it is brand new for me, though I have done some limited racing with Radical. My experience in racing cars is not as much as some, but I’m sure we’ll soon be on the pace.”

Chris Dittmann, team owner, said: “Signing Phillip means we have a completely new line-up for the first time since F3 Cup started in 2012. We have an exciting three drivers for this year, I can’t wait to see how they shape up.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how he gets on, having raced ‘bikes he’ll take some adjusting but is sure to be committed! Our job is to get him up to speed as quickly as possible, in the simulator and in the car as much as we can. The Radical has a similar pace but handles differently, I’m confident we can help him score strongly.”